Merchant Taylors Triathlon
So yesterday, I raced at the Merchant Taylors Standard Distance Triathlon. I entered this race months ago thinking it would be a good time, just after the dissertation was handed in, to go back home and compete in a casual early season triathlon.
What I didn't realise was the insane amount of work I would still have on at this time and a 200 mile round trip for a race now seemed like a bad idea!
Anyway, with the race just 3 miles from home, it would be a nice break from work and a night in my own bed with some home cooked food!
What with the race being so close, I registered the night before and cycled along at 5 am to the start line. Before the race this seemed like an idyllic way to start the race. In reality, there was quite a heavy rainfall during this short ride, hopefully the day would improve!
The rain did give way (almost as soon as I got to transition!) and the race got under-way on time, with the women setting off at 6.20 and the men at 6.30. With the lack of rain we'd had recently, the lake was really shallow and the swim was about 200m short. I swam really well and exited the water second, taking the lead on the run to transition.
The bike course was tough, but I knew the route and kept plugging away. I was caught at the top of one of the steepest climbs, about 10 km into the bike. The conditions made it very slippery and I could not corner fast enough to keep the leader in sight. Still, I knew I have been running well so kept my head down.
At about 17 km into the bike, another strong cyclist came through. This time I was able to keep him in sight until about 19 km when he stopped with a puncture. I was back into second place, but only for a few seconds before I too punctured! Without any repair kit on me I had no choice but to retire.
This was the worst feeling. It was the first time this had happened to me and at a time where I was feeling strong and set for a good placing at the finish.
I managed to get a lift back to transition and collected my things to head home. As I was leaving, the leader came into transition. He was badly hurt after a crash of some sort and begun hobbling round the run. With a lead of about 5 minutes, I was extremely frustrated not to be there chasing him down!
Overall, the race was a disaster and very frustrating. I entered as prep for Cowman in July but didn't even get to run despite feeling very strong! Looking at the results the leader off the bike was clearly very injured, running over 45 minutes and only managing to finish 4th.
Looking back, I should have known this race would not have been great. The roads around there are awful being so close to London. It was very unfortunate that from the top 3 men, 2 punctured and one fell. Had we all been luckier, I think this would have been a very close race and I would like to think I would have had a chance of a race win. Anyway, I don't think I will be racing that course again in the near future!
Results can be found here;
http://www.triathlon-zone.com/events.html
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